Save This Creamy Taco Soup is a rich and comforting dish, bursting with bold taco flavors and loaded with hearty ingredients like ground beef, black beans, and sweet corn. It is the perfect easy meal for chilly winter nights when you need something warm and satisfying that can be ready in just 45 minutes.
Save The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. By combining pantry staples like canned black beans and corn with fresh vegetables and ground meat, you create a deep, savory broth that the whole family will enjoy. The addition of heavy cream and shredded cheddar at the end transforms it into a luxurious, soul-warming bowl.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 200 ml (¾ cup plus 2 tbsp) heavy cream
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 750 ml (3 cups) chicken or beef broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3
- Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, black beans, and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6
- Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Do not boil after adding cream.
- Step 7
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, extra cheese, and your choice of toppings.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the vegetables from sticking while they sauté. Be sure to have your ladle ready for serving and use a sharp chef's knife for dicing the onion and peppers into uniform pieces.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use extra beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative. If you prefer extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use hot chili powder. Adding avocado slices on top provides an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with sliced green onions and extra cheddar. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges for a bright finish. It also pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread.
Save This Creamy Taco Soup is a versatile, crowd-pleasing favorite that delivers bold Southwest flavors in every spoonful. Whether you are seeking a cozy solo meal or a hearty family dinner, this recipe provides comfort and taste in every bowl.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight. Add the cream and cheese when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add an extra can of black beans and kidney beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a complete meatless version.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, but omit the cream and cheese before freezing. Add the dairy when reheating to prevent separation. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
- → What toppings work best?
Classic garnishes include sour cream, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, lime wedges, sliced avocado, extra shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy heat.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Start with half the chili powder and add more gradually. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños during cooking or use hot salsa. Reduce or eliminate chili powder for a milder version.